bandy legs

Bandy legs is a condition in which the legs curve outward, causing the knees to point outward.

The term can also refer to legs affected in this way.

The adjective bandy means the same thing as bowed—having a bend or crook outward. The condition can also be called bowleg or bow legs (in which the word bow is a reference to the type of curve seen in a bow—the kind used to shoot arrows). Someone with this condition can be described as bandy-legged or bow-legged (or bowlegged).

Many young children appear to have bandy legs, but in most cases their legs straighten as they continue to grow. However, in some cases, abnormal bowing of the legs may be caused by diseases like rickets or Blount’s disease.

Bandy legs are associated with cowboys, probably due to the idea that the condition can be the result of spending too much time straddling a saddle. However, frequent horseback riding is unlikely to cause bandy legs.

Example: I had bandy legs as a kid, but my legs straightened out by the time I was four or so. 

The first records of the term bandy legs come from the late 1600s. The adjective bandy is almost exclusively used to describe legs. Terms like bow legs and bowleg have been used since at least the mid-1500s.

It’s common for many children to appear to have bandy legs as their legs are developing, but in most cases it does not need to be treated. Bandy legs isn’t the only condition that involves an abnormal curvature of the legs. The condition known as knock-knee involves the opposite situation, in which the legs are curved inward (resulting in knees that can knock together when walking).

What are some other forms related to bandy legs?

• bandy-legged (adjective)

What are some synonyms for bandy legs?

• bowleg
• bow legs
• bandy-leggedness
• bowleggedness

What are some words that share a root or word element with bandy legs? 

• bandy
• leg

What are some words that often get used in discussing bandy legs?

• growth
• development
• knee
• outward
• gait
• cowboy

It’s much more common to describe someone as bow-legged than as having bandy legs. However, describing someone this way may be rude or insensitive.

I love the fact that prevaricating, i.e. avoiding an issue or sitting on the fence, comes from the Romans' word for bandy legs.

— Susie Dent 💙 (@susie_dent) November 12, 2015

I look like my mother – but preferable to looking like my father – he had a barrel chest, bandy legs and a moustache 😀 https://t.co/QVjKDDOt9L

— Professor Dame Sue Black (@ProfSueBlack) July 4, 2019

Not an official #OpLoseTheBlinkers but me being bright to be seen helping my friend lead Rhum & Brook to their field in Wester Dullatur for a Ne’er’s Day leg-stretch with their pals. (Jacket borrowed but the wellies & bandy legs are my own!) #GoSafe pic.twitter.com/XvjwTf9Sd8

— T/CS Louise Blakelock (@ChSuptRoads) January 1, 2020